Trying to Prevent School Violence
* We want to thank all the parents, students, teachers, school administrators and law enforcement officials who took time out of their busy schedules to attend our recent forum on school violence at Western High School. We especially thank Western High School, the Anaheim Union High School District and Supt. Janice Billings for hosting the event.
The tragic shooting in Littleton, Colo., shocked and saddened the country and left many parents in Orange County wondering, “Is my child safe at school?” and “Could it happen here?” The sad fact is that it can happen anywhere.
The purpose was to bring together concerned parents, students, teachers, school administrators, law enforcement officials and criminal experts to discuss the myriad issues surrounding juvenile violence. Our goal was to spark a discussion and facilitate interaction so that parents could gain a better understanding.
Because there are no easy solutions to this complex problem, it would have been impossible to try to solve all the problems surrounding this issue with one meeting. But by initiating the dialogue, we at least opened the lines of communication between the people who must work together if we are to solve the problem of violence in our schools.
Communication was a critical element missing when 15 people lost their lives, hopes and dreams in Colorado. To walk a mile, one must first take the initial step.
DICK ACKERMAN
72nd Assembly District
KEN MADDOX
68th Assembly District
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